Defence & foreign affairs

6 Jul 2021

Impact of UN General Assembly's Arms Embargo on Myanmar on Singapore and ASEAN's Efforts Regarding Myanmar

Singapore voted in favor of the UN General Assembly resolution on Myanmar to align with its stance against violence and support for ASEAN’s role, while strictly complying with international arms embargo obligations through robust export controls and annual UN reporting.
Singapore clarified that while ASEAN members voted differently on the resolution, no member opposed it, and the Five-Point Consensus remains unchanged; however, implementation has been slow, and ASEAN is working to expedite progress.
Singapore emphasized its commitment to ASEAN’s efforts in Myanmar, urging political stakeholders to find a durable solution, and will not hesitate to take action against companies violating arms export laws, though no arms sales to Myanmar’s military were reported.

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6 Jul 2021

People’s Liberation Army Air Force Aircraft that Flew Through Singapore’s Flight Information Region on 31 May 2021

Gerald Giam and Dennis Tan asked the Minister for Defence about the 16 PLAAF aircraft that flew through Singapore’s FIR on 31 May 2021, focusing on RSAF tracking, communication, frequency of unannounced entries, and safety plans amid South China Sea tensions.
The Minister clarified that state aircraft, including military ones, are not required to file flight plans under international law, and CAAS, as the ATS Authority, did not receive any plans or communicate with the PLAAF, while RSAF’s role is air defence, not FIR management.
Singapore adheres to international law like UNCLOS for military activities, and the RSAF maintains 24/7 surveillance, responding to over 350 incidents annually, but the PLAAF flight was not deemed a threat.

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5 Jul 2021

Early Warnings of Impending Health Concerns by Singapore’s Overseas Missions

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5 Jul 2021

Additional Safety Measures for Protection of NSmen undergoing In-Camp Training against COVID-19

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11 May 2021

Efforts to Monitor Extremist Ideology on Social Media Platforms and Internet Forums

Security agencies monitor extremist content online and have blocked some sites, though full blocking is impossible due to the vast and evolving nature of the internet.
A multi-pronged approach includes community education through initiatives like SGSecure, outreach by groups such as the Religious Rehabilitation Group, and international intelligence sharing.
The public is urged to avoid sharing extremist content, while technology companies are recognized for their efforts in removing such material.
Continued reliance on upstream efforts and industry collaboration is essential to counter online radicalization.
The government acknowledges that determined individuals may circumvent blocking, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive strategy.

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11 May 2021

Assistance Offered to Other Countries to Deal with COVID-19

Singapore contributed US$5 million to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment to support vaccine access for low and lower-middle income countries and co-chairs the Friends of the COVAX group to advance global vaccine distribution.
Singapore donated US$100,000 to the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund and provided medical supplies such as PCR machines, test kits, and PPE to several countries including Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, China, India, and others in Africa and Latin America.
The government supported community efforts like the Singapore Red Cross Society and Temasek Foundation, which have raised funds and donated medical equipment to assist affected countries worldwide.

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11 May 2021

Further Actions by ASEAN for Myanmar's Political Situation following ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on 24 April 2021

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assesses the Myanmar situation as increasingly fraught with ongoing violence, clashes between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed groups, and a severe COVID-19 pandemic, with over 700 civilian deaths and political detainees remaining under detention.
ASEAN’s immediate focus is implementing the Five-Point Consensus from the 24 April 2021 Leaders’ Meeting, which includes cessation of violence, constructive dialogue, a special ASEAN envoy, humanitarian assistance via the AHA Centre, and visits to Myanmar to engage all parties.
Singapore supports ASEAN’s collective efforts to urge the Myanmar military to uphold the consensus, exercise restraint, begin meaningful dialogue, and release political prisoners, while complementing international efforts by the UN and key Dialogue Partners.
The long-term resolution of the crisis depends on the political will of Myanmar’s stakeholders to negotiate a durable solution, with ASEAN and Singapore facilitating dialogue and providing support as needed.

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10 May 2021

Update on Singapore's Assistance to India Due to Worsening COVID-19 Infections

Singapore has sent 256 oxygen cylinders to India via RSAF aircraft to support its critical medical needs during the pandemic.
Singapore is facilitating India’s procurement and transport of COVID-19 supplies, including cryogenic tanks and relief items, through governmental and logistical support.
Private sector and civil society organizations, such as Temasek Foundation and Singapore Airlines, are contributing medical equipment and airlifting essential supplies to India.

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5 Apr 2021

Statistics on Local SMEs Contributing to Defence Sector and Share of Defence Budget Benefiting Them During Current Economic Slowdown

Mr Mark Chay asked the Minister for Defence for statistics on local SMEs in the defence sector, including their number, employees, and share of this year’s defence budget during the economic slowdown.
The Minister replied that MINDEF and the SAF work with a wide range of local companies, including SMEs, and pay about $6 billion annually to local firms for products and services.
About 2,000 local SMEs, each with up to 200 employees, are directly contracted by MINDEF and the SAF, with the total number higher if SME sub-contractors are included.

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5 Apr 2021

Coordinated ASEAN Response to Escalating Situation in Myanmar

Mr. Ang Wei Neng asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to consider calling for a coordinated ASEAN response to prevent further escalation in the violent situation in Myanmar.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated that ASEAN has issued statements urging the Myanmar military to exercise restraint, protect civilians, and release political detainees, and supports a special ASEAN Leaders’ Summit to address the crisis directly.
Singapore expressed dismay at the rising death toll and injuries in Myanmar, calling for immediate steps to stop bloodshed and the release of all political detainees, while supporting UN and ASEAN efforts to facilitate dialogue and national reconciliation.
The Minister emphasized that the solution lies within Myanmar, with external pressure having limits, and that key stakeholders must commit to negotiations for peace and stability.

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5 Apr 2021

Safety Measures and Equipment within SAF Premises to Assist in Emergency Medical Situations

The SAF maintains a multi-layered emergency medical response system reviewed by an external advisory board, including on-site trained personnel and equipment like AEDs and ambulances available 24/7.
All recruits since 2010 are trained in CPR and AED use, and medical teams are present during exercises with necessary equipment for resuscitation and evacuation to hospitals or medical centres.
Health screening guidelines are set by a specialist advisory board, requiring annual Health Screening Programme for regulars and NSmen aged 35 and above to detect conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

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5 Mar 2021

Concrete Steps by ASEAN to Facilitate Return to Stability in Myanmar

ASEAN, including Singapore, has urged Myanmar’s military authorities to show restraint, avoid lethal force against civilians, and release detained leaders to enable peaceful dialogue and a return to Myanmar’s democratic transition.
Singapore supports humanitarian aid for displaced persons from Rakhine State and stands ready to provide further assistance, including repatriation support and needs assessments, while noting that the ultimate solution must come from within Myanmar.
The Minister emphasized realism about ASEAN’s influence, citing Myanmar’s complex history and the limited effectiveness of external pressure, while affirming that ASEAN foreign ministers remain in daily contact to monitor the situation and explore further diplomatic options.

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1 Mar 2021

Committee of Supply – Head N (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Parliamentarians emphasized the need for Singapore to strengthen multilateral cooperation and vaccine access through COVAX, highlighting the global challenges posed by vaccine nationalism and the pandemic's impact on international relations.
The debate addressed the importance of maintaining Singapore's hub status in trade, shipping, and finance amid economic uncertainties, as well as deepening regional ties with Malaysia, Indonesia, and ASEAN to enhance connectivity and resilience.
Ministers outlined strategies to navigate US-China tensions, protect Singapore's autonomy, and advance digital and climate cooperation, while ensuring consular support for Singaporeans abroad and promoting foreign policy engagement domestically.

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1 Mar 2021

Committee of Supply – Head J (Ministry of Defence)

Ministers affirmed that Singapore's defence strategy remains robust despite COVID-19 disruptions, emphasizing continued investment in capabilities, readiness, and a rules-based international order to navigate heightened geopolitical risks and strengthen bilateral and multilateral security ties.
The debate highlighted MINDEF/SAF's significant contributions to the national COVID-19 response, including testing, logistics, and medical support, while detailing plans to enhance bio-defence capabilities such as upgrading laboratories to the highest biosafety level and sustaining operational readiness through adjusted training and vaccination.
To adapt to evolving threats and manpower constraints, the SAF is transforming National Service through initiatives like the Next-Generation SAF, enhanced medical classification systems, work-study diplomas, and digitalisation, alongside strengthened safety measures and support for servicemen's well-being and careers.

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26 Feb 2021

Access to Government Documents in National Archives

Leon Perera asked the Minister for Communications and Information for an update on the number and proportion of government documents over 25 years old that are accessible via the National Archives Online and the factors the Archives considers when granting researchers access to these public archives.
The National Archives of Singapore holds about two million government records that are 25 years or older, with metadata for approximately 258,000 records publicly accessible on Archives Online, a significant increase from 160,000 records in 2019.
Records transferred to the National Archives undergo declassification before public access, and the Archives is working with public agencies to progressively make more records available.
The National Archives considers factors such as safeguarding national defence, internal security, international relations, confidentiality, and personal privacy when reviewing records for release.
The response emphasizes that public access to archives is managed in line with global practices, balancing transparency with the protection of sensitive information.

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25 Feb 2021

Breakdown of Children and Young Persons below 25 Years Old Detained under Internal Security Act in Past 10 Years

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Home Affairs for the number of individuals aged 18 and below and those aged 19 to 25 detained under the Internal Security Act in the past 10 years, as well as the median detention duration for each group.
Minister K Shanmugam responded that three individuals aged 16 to 18 and seven individuals aged 19 to 25 were detained for terrorism-related conduct since 2010.
Of those aged 16 to 18, two remain detained and one was released on a Restriction Order after two years.
Of those aged 19 to 25, two remain detained and the rest were released on Restriction Orders, with detention periods ranging from two to six years.
The reply did not specify the median number of years detained for each age group as requested.

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Impact of UN General Assembly's Arms Embargo on Myanmar on Singapore and ASEAN's Efforts Regarding Myanmar

People’s Liberation Army Air Force Aircraft that Flew Through Singapore’s Flight Information Region on 31 May 2021

Early Warnings of Impending Health Concerns by Singapore’s Overseas Missions

Additional Safety Measures for Protection of NSmen undergoing In-Camp Training against COVID-19

Efforts to Monitor Extremist Ideology on Social Media Platforms and Internet Forums

Assistance Offered to Other Countries to Deal with COVID-19

Further Actions by ASEAN for Myanmar's Political Situation following ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on 24 April 2021

Update on Singapore's Assistance to India Due to Worsening COVID-19 Infections

Statistics on Local SMEs Contributing to Defence Sector and Share of Defence Budget Benefiting Them During Current Economic Slowdown

Coordinated ASEAN Response to Escalating Situation in Myanmar

Safety Measures and Equipment within SAF Premises to Assist in Emergency Medical Situations

Concrete Steps by ASEAN to Facilitate Return to Stability in Myanmar

Committee of Supply – Head N (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Committee of Supply – Head J (Ministry of Defence)

Access to Government Documents in National Archives

Breakdown of Children and Young Persons below 25 Years Old Detained under Internal Security Act in Past 10 Years

Update on Singapore Convention on Mediation and Plans to Promote Singapore as An International Dispute Resolution Hub

Educating Public to Identify Self-radicalised Individuals to Prevent Terror Attacks

Impact of Coup in Myanmar on Repatriation of Rohingya Refugees and Future Peace and Security in Rakhine State

ASEAN Member States' Position on Military Coup in Myanmar in February 2021